Wanted man shoots self in parking lot as police approach

Friday

The man had a gun and "It was quite clear that was his intention," police say.

JACKSON TWP. A Canton Township man shot himself in the head as authorities from Summit County tried to arrest him Friday morning in the Walmart parking lot on The Strip.

The unidentified man was taken to Mercy Medical Center where he died Friday afternoon.

Maj. Ty Bissler of the Jackson Township Police Department said Jackson officers went to the Walmart store at 4572 Mega St. NW around 11 a.m. to assist Summit County Sheriff's deputies in serving a warrant on a man, who had agreed to meet in the parking lot. Bissler said he and the other Jackson officers didn't know the nature of the warrants being served.

The man was in a sport utility vehicle "toward the back of the lot, closer to Mega, so there wasn't any danger to anyone," Bissler said.

Deputies were concerned the man might injure himself. They called out to him, attempting to stop him from harming himself, but it was too late. The man put a gun to his head and pulled the trigger.

"To my knowledge, he didn't say anything. He just did it," Bissler said. "It was quite clear that was his intention. ... It happened very fast."

Officers at the scene immediately called for paramedics and began attempts to render first aid, Bissler said.

Summit County Sheriff's deputies could not be reached for comment.

Reach Lori at 330-580-8309 or lori.steineck@cantonrep.com.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.